Jain Sculptures
Near the Urwahi Gate, are 21 Jain
sculptures that can be traced back to the seventh centurya.d. There is
also a lovely statue of Shiva and Parvati, (unfortunately Shiva’s
head has been lopped off) which dates back to the seventh century; and
a sculpture of a reclining mother and child, built in the 10th
century.
However, the best sculptures are those of the 24 Jain Tirthankaras
(saints). The tallest of the lot is nearly 20 metres, and is
characterised by its rigid posture and rounded modelling.
There is also the colossal figure of the seated Adinatha, the first
of the 24 Jain Tirthankaras, distinguished by the symbol of the bull.
Another remarkable bit of craftsmanship is the 30 feet high figure of
the seated Neminatha, the 22nd Tirthankara, with the symbol of a shell
on a pedestal. Many of the sculptures were either defaced or smashed
in the course of history. Later, the faces of the statues were
restored. |
